Quiz: Can You Name These Classic Western Movie Stars From One Image?: HowStuffWorks

Can You Name These Classic Western Movie Stars From One Image?

ENTERTAINMENT

By: Khadija Leon

7 Min Quiz

Image: Paramount Pictures

About This Quiz

The Western is one of Hollywood's most iconic genres. It pits the cowboy, the solitary hero, against a beautiful but harsh landscape where the rule of law isn't necessarily the law of the land, where the survival of the fittest means being fastest on the draw. The Western contains images and symbols that are truly "American" such as justice, entrepreneurial spirit, patriotism, and hard work. And then there were the movie stars that brought these symbols to life.

Where would we be without John Wayne, one of the most popular movie stars of all time? How about Chuck Connors, who represented truth and justice in 'The Rifleman"? Then there was Ben Johnson,﻿ who came by his role as a cowboy honestly. He was an Academy Award-winning actor who started as a ranch hand, rodeo performer, then stuntman and actor in more than 300 films. Of course, the "singing cowboy" Gene Autry, romanticized the west and in so doing, ensonced himself on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Some incredible women graced the silver screen in these Westerns, such as Maureen O'Hara, Grace Kelly, or Katy Jurado as Helen Ramirez in "High Noon". Try to be quick on the draw when you match these classic Western movie stars to the image!

Jolly Film / Constantin Film

Name this star of the silver screen.

James Garner

Lee Marvin

Clint Eastwood

Richard Widmark

Clint Eastwood was a college dropout with an interest in acting. He found success in the mid-'50s, playing roles in B-films such as “Revenge of the Creature” and “Tarantula.” Eastwood went on to star in major blockbusters like “A Fistful of Dollars” (1964), “For a Few Dollars More” (1965) and “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966). Eastwood spoke his trademark line, “Go ahead, make my day,” in the movie, “Sudden Impact,” in 1983.

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Universal Pictures

Who is this western actor?

Joel McCrea

James Stewart

James Arness

Steve McQueen

Best known for the many villainous roles that he played in Western movies, Jack Elam had a very distinctive lazy eye, that distinguished him from every actor in his league. At the end of his career, he had appeared in 73 movies and more than 41 television shows.

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CBS

Know the name of this western icon?

Richard Boone

James Arness

Ward Bond

Brian Keith

American actor James Arness starred in the television show, “Gunsmoke,” for approximately 20 seasons, playing the character of Marshal Matt Dillon. Although he was initially hesitant, thinking a television series would be a setback to his career, he eventually accepted and became a huge success, until his official retirement at age 71.

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Produzioni Europee Associate (PEA)

Who is this western actor?

Randolph Scott

Lee Van Cleef

Gary Cooper

James Stewart

Lee Van Cleef started out as an accountant and also served in the US Navy before becoming involved in amateur theatrics as a hobby. When an audition led him to a touring company job, his performance was witnessed by Stanley Kramer who cast him as the henchman in "High Noon" in 1952, a role for which he gained great praise. He played several villainous characters, mostly in westerns but also in crime dramas, such as "The Big Combo."

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Warner Bros.

Who is this movie star?

John Wayne

Roy Rogers

Zane Grey

Smiley Burnette

Born Marion Robert Morrison, John Wayne is arguably one of the most popular movie stars of all time. Although his first movie, “The Big Trail,” failed, this began his career as an actor. Wayne continued to be a major success, appearing in nearly 250 movies, directed and produced some films, and even released a solo music album.

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Cinema Center Films,Landers-Roberts Productions via youtube

What is the name of this motion picture star?

Rod Taylor

Lee Marvin

Keenan Wynn

Walter Brennan

Known for his special voice, Lee Marvin started out playing in supportive, soldier and criminal roles and initially acted in unrecognized character roles until a couple of directors noticed his talents. In the 1950s, he began appearing in more significant roles and went on to star in over 70 films.

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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Do you know who this actor is?

Chuck Connors

Glenn Ford

William Holden

Val Kilmer

Chuck Connors played basketball as a center with the Boston Celtics in 1946 – 1947. He also played baseball, which was his main interest, for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. He was recognized by a casting director at MGM and given a role in his debut comedy, “Pat and Mike.” He was featured in a total of 20 movies, including titles “The Big Country” and his biggest hit, “The Rifleman.”

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Universal Pictures

Can you name this actor without peeking at the credits?

Robert Taylor

Paul Newman

Glenn Ford

Robert Ryan

Glenn Ford was spotted by a 20th Century-Fox talent scout named Tom Moore in 1939. In the same year, he made his first appearance in “Barbed Wire Fence” and continued in small scenes through 1940, after which he left acting to join the Marines in World War II. Returning to acting in 1946, Ford was given a role in the movie, “A Stolen Life,” as well as “Gilda.”

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Paramount Pictures

Who is this western actor?

Charles Bronson

Don Barry

Tom Tyler

Dan Blocker

Born as Charles Dennis Buchinsky, this actor served in World War II where he guided 25e missions and obtained a Purple Heart because of his wounds. In 1950, he moved to Hollywood where he began to take acting classes and received recognition in small roles which led to even bigger and more successful roles.

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United Artists

Pick the name of this western movie star.

Slim Pickens

Michael Madsen

James Elam

Robert Mitchum

Robert Mitchum was a bit of a wild child, often being mischievous and getting expelled from several schools. He got into acting because his sister encouraged him to join a theater group but it was many years later that he rose to stardom after starring in films such as “Crossfire” and “Build My Gallows High.”

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Producers-Actors Corp.

Who is this western actor?

George Hayes

Johnny Mack Brown

Tom Typer

Randolph Scott

Randolph Scott is an American leading man who became one of Hollywood’s greatest and most popular Western stars. His career spanned from 1928 to 1962. Scott performed in a variety of social dramas, crime dramas, comedies, musicals, and war films.

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Republic Pictures

Do you know this western star's handle?

Jack Palance

Roy Rogers

Clint Eastwood

Charlton Heston

Leonard Slye (Roy Rogers) and started his career in musical groups like “The Hollywood Hillbillies” and “Texas Outlaws.” Rogers started his acting career in 1936, with a role alongside Bing Crosby in “Rhythm on the Range.” His first lead role was in 1937 when he stared in "Sons of the Pioneers."

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ABC

Can you identify this silver screen legend?

James Drury

Chill Wills

Ernest Borgnine

James Garner

In addition to being an actor, James Garner was both a producer and voice artist and rose to stardom with successful light-hearted westerns, which included “Bret Maverick” and movies like “The Thrill of It All” and “The Great Escape.”

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Twentieth Century Fox

Can you identify this silver screen legend?

Gregory Peck

Buck Jones

Earl Dwire

Bob Nolan

Gregory Peck was enrolled in the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York and debuted on Broadway in "The Morning Star" in 1942. One year later, he debuted in the RKO film ”Days of Glory,” and then “The Keys of the Kingdom” in 1944. Peck won a Golden Globe for “The Yearling” in 1946.

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Motown Productions, Pangaea, Qintex Entertainment

Know what name this actor goes by?

Tom Mix

Roy Rogers

Robert Duvall

Errol Flynn

Primarily known for his acting role in popular movies, such as “The Godfather” and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Robert Duvall became one of America’s most renowned actors. In 2015, he was nominated for an Oscar in “best performance by an actor in a supporting role,” making him the oldest nominee for the Academy Award for best supporting actor.

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TriStar Pictures

Name this star of the silver screen.

Sam Elliot

Gian Maria Volonte

John McIntyre

Ben Johnson

Sam Elliot is an American actor, who primarily played cowboy and rancher roles in films, due to his lean and slender build and rich and powerful voice. He got his first big break with his role in “Mask” in 1985 and his success continues to this day with his upcoming appearance in 2017 movie, “The Man Who Killed Hitler.”

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Tig Productions, Majestic Films International, Allied Filmmakers

Who is this Hollywood legend?

Kathie Browne

Robert Livingston

Kevin Costner

Robert Blake

Kevin Costner was the star and director of “Dances with Wolves” in 1990. The film received seven Oscars. Costner enjoyed continued success with movies like “The Bodyguard" in 1992 and “The Untouchables” in 1987.

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MGM

Choose the name of this actor using only a single image.

Hugh O'Brian

Clint Walker

Henry Fonda

Chuck Conners

Born on May 16, 1905, Henry Fonda’s film career began to take off when he was cast in the film, “Wife.” He continued to act in several more successful films, including “The Ox-Bow Incident," “Mister Roberts” and “On Golden Pond."

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Universal Pictures

Think you can name this movie star?

Sheb Wooley

Rock Hudson

Franco Nero

Peter Brown

Rock Hudson appeared in almost 70 films throughout his 40-year career. Several film magazines were impressed with his work, and named him “Star of the Year.” He received worldwide support when he announced that he had AIDS. In 1985, he died of complications from the illness.

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United Artists

Can you name this screen icon?

Arthur Kennedy

Sharon Stone

Barbara Stanwyck

Earl Holliman

Barbara Stanwyck was an American actor, dancer and model who was the highest paid actress in the United States by the year 1944. She was nominated for four Academy Awards for Best Actress and won three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.

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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Do you remember the name of this star?

Charles Starrett

Ben Cooper

Pat Hingle

Charlton Heston

Charles Heston was one of Hollywood’s greatest leading men and continued to stay active on the movie scene for more than 60 years, starring in as many as 100 movies. One of his most popular roles was the character of Moses in “The Ten Commandments” in 1956.

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Warner Bros.

Can you name this beloved icon?

Dean Martin

Royal Dano

Buck Taylor

Johnny Crawford

Dean Martin was a quadruple threat; an actor, comedian, singer, and producer. He formed a quick friendship and partnership with comedian Jerry Lewis while performing at a club in New York, which eventually led to them producing 16 films together. Martin went solo with his film career and is today considered one of the greatest screen performers of his generation.

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Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

Can you name this screen actress?

Richard Boone

John Wayne

Clint Eastwood

Maureen O'Hara

Maureen O’Hara was known for being a great beauty of Irish heritage who had a natural talent for performing. In 1939, Charles Laughton, seeing her potential, cast her to star in the film, "Jamaica Inn." O'Hara moved to Hollywood, where she continued to act in several films, including "The Parent Trap," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "How Green Was My Valley," and "Miracle on 34th Street."

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CBS

Can you name this beloved icon?

Clint Eastwood

Steve McQueen

Sam Elliot

Clayton Moore

Steve McQueen starred in such films as "The Great Escape," "Bullitt" and "The Getaway." McQueen overcame being labeled as a troubled youth to being one of the most popular and well-paid actors of the 1960s and '70s, and 25 years after his death in 1980, Steve McQueen is still considered “cool."

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Buena Vista Pictures

Think you can name this movie star?

Burl Ives

Harry Morgan

Kurt Russell

Wilford Brimley

Kurt Russell was born to parents Bing Russell, an actor, and Louise Julia Russell, a dancer. He made his first debut on a television series and went on to partner with the Walt Disney Company which jump-started his career. He was nominated for a Golden Globe award in 1984.

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CBS

Who is this film actor?

Thomas Haden Church

Claudia Cardinale

Paul Fix

Richard Boone

This “Have Gun Will Travel'' American actor was well known for his roles in both western films and television series. He played the starring role in more than 50 films, won three “Peabody” Awards, and was nominated five times as “Best Actor” by National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

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Universal Pictures

Pick the name of this western movie star.

Humphrey Bogart

Audi Murphy

Clu Gulager

Robert Stack

After being enrolled in the military and receiving 33 medals and awards, Audi Murphy published his life story in a book called “To Hell and Back,” which was a huge hit. After deciding to adapt the book into a film, he starred as himself and became famous because of it.

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Paramount Pictures

Who is this film actor?

Lorne Greene

Dean Martin

William Holden

Sterling Hayden

William Holden won an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1953, for the movie, “Stalag 17.” He appeared in a number of films, like “Sabrina” in 1954 and “Paris When It Sizzles” in 1964. Although he was no longer interested in acting, he was voted as one of the best movie stars of all time, according to Entertainment Weekly.

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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Can you name this old-school actor?

Audi Murphy

Kirk Douglas

Alan Ladd

Lee Van Cleef

Born December 9, 1916, Kirk Douglas made his debut playing the lead role in “The Strange Love of Martha Ivers” in 1946. He appeared in a number of movies, including “Lonely Are the Brave” and “In Harm's Way,” and has also worked alongside other great actors, including Burt Lancaster in “I Walk Alone,” which gave him his first Oscar nomination.

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Universal Pictures

Know the name of this western icon?

Eddie Dean

Burt Lancaster

Alan Ladd

Clint Walker

Burt Lancaster was a self-taught actor who learned the business as he went along. He played a variety of roles in pictures such as "The Crimson Pirate," "From Here to Eternity," "Elmer Gantry" and "Atlantic City." Lancaster became interested in acting after performing in USO shows.

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Paramount Pictures

Can you name this old-school actor?

Sterling Hayden

Jean Arthur

Marlon Brando

Alan Ladd

Alan Ladd is an American actor and television producer who, in his 30’s, found major success in Western and film noir movies. After receiving an honorary medical discharge, he returned to filmmaking but this time as a film director.

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Paramount Pictures

Who is this movie star?

Paul Newman

Jane Seymour

Joe Don Baker

John Smith

Known for his stunning blue eyes, Paul Newman developed a love for theater from a very early age. While enrolled at Yale University's School of Drama, he was encouraged to try acting and went on to star and direct several films. He was nominated for his very first Academy Award, and his success continued to grow.

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ABC

Can you name this actor without peeking at the credits?

William Smith

Hugh O'Brian

Clint Walker

Claire Trevor

Clint Walker was a high school dropout who worked a number of odd jobs until it was suggested that he would be a good fit in Hollywood due to his 6-foot, 6-inch height. He starred as Cheyenne Bodie in the television series, “Cheyenne”, which was a huge hit and aired from 1955 to 1963. Walker continued to appear in several western films until his retirement.

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Produzioni Europee Associate

Do you know who this actor is?

Richard Long

William Hart

Eli Wallach

Katy Jurado

Considered by many to be one Hollywood’s best stage and screen actors, Eli Wallach’s career began in the 1949 and lasted over 60 years. His most popular and memorable character roles included Calvera in "The Magnificent Seven" and Tuco in "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly."

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Warner Bros.

Think you can name this movie star?

Robert Duvall

Henry Fonda

John Russell

Walter Brennan

Walter Brennan was one of the most successful actors of American Sound Films. He won three Oscars for Best Supporting Actor. Brennan's role in the movie, “Come and Get It,” won him his first Best Supporting Actor Academy Award. He played a number of roles, from a sophisticated businessman to con artists, and could play almost any character.

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Cinema Center Films

Who is this star of the big screen?

Woody Strode

Dale Evans

Jack Palance

Egar Buchanan

Jack Palance was a former boxer who developed an interest in arts. He began with some small roles on Broadway and slowly rose to fame with popular films such as "Sudden Fear” and “The Professionals.” It was because of that film’s major success, he won an Academy Award.

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C.V. Whitney Pictures

Think you can name this movie star?

Ward Bond

Guy Williams

Peter Breck

Tim Holt

Ward Bond has appeared in more than 200 films and his most impressive work includes, John L. Sullivan in “Gentleman Jim" and Rev. Capt. Samuel Johnson Clayton in “The Searchers.” His film career spanned more than 30 and he was known for being a perfect fit for any role.

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Columbia Pictures

Remember the name of this motion picture icon?

Amanda Blake

Slim Pickens

Nick Adams

Lee J. Cobb

In his early days, Slim Pickens was a well-established rodeo performer, a background which served well as he appeared in numerous western films and television shows. Some of these include “The Cowboys and Outlaws” and “The Glory Guys.” Pickens was entered into both the Western Performers Hall of Fame and the Pro Rodeo’s Hall of Fame.

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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Can you name this screen icon?

Charles Bronson

Robert Mitchum

Joel McCrea

Gregory Peck

Joel McCrea started as a stuntman after graduating from the university in 1928. He then secured his first major role in “The Jazz Age” in the same year, which later earned him a contract with MGM then RKO. He played the role of a lawman in the 1955’s "Wichita" and in 1959 appeared in "The Gunfight at Dodge City."

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NBC

Do you remember the name of this star?

Clark Gable

John McIntyre

Bud Spencer

Ross Martin

John McIntyre was born on June 27, 1907. He started his career as a narrator and was also involved in the dramatization and arts before acting. After performing in several television shows throughout his career, he married fellow actress Jeanette Nolan. They spent 56 years together before his death in 1991.

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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Can you name this star of the screen?

James Stewart

Gene Autry

Sam Shepard

Warren Oates

Born on May 20, 1908, James Stewart became interested in performing arts from his college days at Princeton University. However, because of The Great Depression, jobs were very scarce, but after moving to Hollywood, he rose to stardom and won five Academy Awards.

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RKO

Who is this film icon?

Rod Steiger

Robert Ryan

Linda Cristal

Jeff Livingston

Although acting was not his first choice, Robert Ryan went on to have a successful career, winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Crossfire (1947). He went on to play in popular films, like “The Professionals” and “The Dirty Dozen.” His final performance on screen was “The Iceman Cometh” in 1973, before his death in that same year.

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ABC

Know what name this actor goes by?

David Carradine

Walter Huston

Van Heflin

Hugh O'Brien

Best known for his leading roles in television series “Search” and “Legend of Wyatt Earp,” Hugh O'Brien performed in several successful films through the years. He also started the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership organization in 1958 to help develop, inspire and encourage young people towards a brighter future.

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NBC

Who is this film icon?

Tom Mix

Ben Johnson

Joseph Kane

James Garner

Ben Johnson was an Academy Award-winning actor who was born in Oklahoma in 1918. He worked as a ranch hand and rodeo performer and was hired to take a shipment of horses from Northern Arizona to Hollywood for a location shooting. He decided to stay and work as a stuntman and double for actors, and it was with this experience that John Ford gave him a role in a movie. Johnson went on to act in more than 300 films.

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ABC

Remember the name of this motion picture icon?

Bill Elliot

John Russell

Cleavon Little

Bob Steele

John Russell grew up in Los Angeles, California, and after studying drama at the University of California, he was noticed by an agent and this led to his appearance in a number of roles, primarily as the “bad guy."

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NBC

Can you name this star of the screen?

Dale Robertson

James Coburn

Rock Hudson

Gary Cooper

Gary Cooper’s first major film was in 1926, “The Winning of Barbara Worth,” under United Artists. He then moved to Paramount in 1927 and appeared in the movies, “Wings” an “It,” both in the same year. Cooper also appeared in “For Whom the Bell Tolls” in 1943. His biggest hit was “High Noon” in 1952.

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United Artists

Choose the name of this actor using only a single image.

Sterling Hayden

Will Hutchins

Debbie Reynolds

John Russell

Sterling Hayden was both an author and actor, and he played modest roles in films like "The Godfather” and “The Long Goodbye.” He went on to write two books; Voyage (1976) and Wanderer (1962).

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CBS

Who is this Hollywood legend?

Burt Lancaster

Sam Elliot

Gene Autry

Kirk Douglas

Known as the “singing cowboy,” Autry starred in western movies for more than 30 years, from the 1930s to the 1960s, and won two Grammy Hall of Fame awards, in 1985 and 1997. Gene Autry was the only entertainer to receive five awards in all five categories on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Do you know this western star's handle?

Betty Burbridge

William Hart

Robert Taylor

John Ford

Born Spangler Arlington Brugh on August 5, 1911, Robert Taylor displayed a variety of talents, including athletics and music. In the 1930s, while enlisted at Pomona College, he decided to join a theatre group where he played many lead roles. In 1934, a talent scout game him a contract, and Taylor appeared in his first film, “Handy Andy,” He appeared in various films throughout the years and went on to become one of the popular leading men of his generation.

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Robertson-Cole Pictures Corporation

What is the name of this motion picture star?

Leif Erickson

Dub Taylor

Tom Tyler

Scott Glenn

Tom Tyler was a nonprofessional weightlifter and actually set a world record by lifting 1013 pounds. He later moved on to an acting career and starred in “Let's Go Gallagher” in 1925 and, over the next four years, 28 more films.

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